Looking for an opportunity to get out an advocate for better bike facilities? Well over the next week you'll have three.
June 15th, 1pm at Union Station - DDOT and the East Coast Greenway are having a Gap Closing Celebration press event (I suspect if you go, you'll still be sober enough to go back to work). The event is to celebrate the release of the contract for the design/construction of the next segment of the trail as well as the bike station that will be constructed near Union Station. While technically not an advocacy event, high turnout creates pressure. Other local events related to closing the gap:
- Annapolis City Hall: Thursday, June 14, 9:30 AM. Mayor Ellen Moyer speaks, followed by a guided bike tour of Annapolis city trails.
- REI, College Park: Thursday, June 14, 7:00-8:30 PM. The riders will give a presentation on the ECG and discuss strategies for closing local gaps. Refreshments will be provided.
June 20th, 6pm at Source Theater (1835 14th Street NW) - the city's first meeting on the 14th Street Transportation and Streetscape study. As a major bike lane street, any changes to 14th Street's transportation goals should include bikes. Public imput will be accepted at the meeting.
June 22nd - the DC Council will be holding a public hearing on the "Bicycle Commuter and Parking Expansion Act of 2007" which was introduced by Councilmember Tommy Wells. The bill has the immediate goal of increasing the number of bike parking locations available for visitors and employees at the Wilson Building in downtown DC, but would also require Mayor Adrian Fenty and DDOT to study the availability of bike parking at ALL DC government buildings. The bill would also require that new residential building provide bike parking spaces for residents. This is similar to the current requirement that all commercial buildings that provide car parking also provide bike parking.
This bill has been referred to the Public Works and Environment Committee chaired by Councilmember Jim Graham. WABA strongly encourages DC cyclists to write to Councilmember Graham at jim@grahamwone.com to express support for the bill. Please send a copy of your letter to Councilmember Tommy Wells at twells@dccouncil.us.
To sign up to testify, please contact Mrs. LaDorsa Willis at 202-724-8195 before 5 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2007.
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